Manchester United are not expected to spend big on transfer deadline day, if at all. Yet there was a small hint from Erik ten Hag’s press conference that the club would remain open minded.
He told the club website: “When there is great opportunity, you have to be always alert as a top club.”
The one area United really do need an extra option is in attack. Even with Antony arriving, United are short up front, especially with Anthony Martial already picking up his second injury of the season.
There is one deal United should consider, and this is the possibility of bringing Memphis Depay back to Old Trafford.
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Memphis Depay on deadline day
Forget the Memphis Depay we saw when Manchester United signed him for £31 million back in 2015. He has become a far better, more focused player since.
Depay has shone at Lyon and Barcelona, able to play as a central striker, netting 12 goals for Barcelona in La Liga last season. He also scored 12 in 10 games for the Netherlands in World Cup qualification.
The Dutchman’s style of play is similar to Anthony Martial’s in his skilful nature and ability to bring his teammates into the game. Crucially, he is available at a knockdown price.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo is among many outlets in the country to link him with a move to Manchester United over the past week.
Robert Lewandowski’s move to Barcelona has meant Depay is expendable, and having failed to shift Frenkie de Jong for a big fee, the Spanish club are keen to free up wage space.
There was speculation Depay could cancel his contract entirely, The Sun reported, while a loan deal is also an option.
Manchester United’s difficulty is that the club have spent in excess of £200 million this window, leaving little left for further additions.
Depay is a high quality striker available on the cheap, and he could be tempted by his unfinished business at Old Trafford.
This is one deal which makes a lot of sense, especially if it is on loan. He would be a short-term fix, at little risk, providing vital depth in a position where extra quality options really are needed.